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  • Title: Benzodiazepine use among heroin users: baseline use, current use and clinical outcome.
    Author: Darke S, Ross J, Mills K, Teesson M, Williamson A, Havard A.
    Journal: Drug Alcohol Rev; 2010 May; 29(3):250-5. PubMed ID: 20565516.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Benzodiazepine use is associated with elevated levels of harm. The current study aimed to ascertain the long-term nature of the relationship between benzodiazepine use and clinical profile among heroin users. DESIGN AND METHODS: Longitudinal cohort, with follow-up at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. Participants were 615 heroin users recruited for the Australian Treatment Outcome Study. RESULTS: At baseline, current benzodiazepine users were more likely to be committing crime, had poorer psychological health and poorer physical health. Baseline benzodiazepine use was not associated with the likelihood across follow-up of heroin use (P = 0.44), committing crime (P = 0.17), poorer psychological health (P = 0.31) or poorer physical health (P = 0.48). Current benzodiazepine use was, however, associated with a greater likelihood of concurrent heroin use (OR 2.77), crime (OR 2.04), poorer psychological health (beta = -4.47) and poorer physical health (beta = -2.33). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that reductions in benzodiazepine use are associated with reductions in harm, and that baseline benzodiazepine status does not equate to poor long-term outcome.
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